Coolant pump for x-ray device

ABSTRACT

This disclosure generally concerns x-ray device cooling systems and related components. One example of such a component is a coolant pump that includes an casing with a pair of fluid interfaces and an electrical interface. The casing includes a body with first and second ends. A motor is disposed within the casing and includes a shaft to which an impeller is attached. A first end cover is attached to the first end of the casing body, and a second end cover includes an electrical interface and is attached to the second end of the casing. Each of the end covers cooperates with a corresponding sealing element to aid in sealing the casing. One or both of the end covers is removably attached to the body of the casing to permit removal and repair/replacement of components disposed within the casing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to x-ray systems, devices, andrelated components. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of theinvention concern cooling systems and components for x-ray imagingsystems.

2. Related Technology

The ability to consistently develop high quality radiographic images isan important element in the usefulness and effectiveness of x-raydevices as diagnostic tools. However, various factors relating to theconstruction and/or operation of the x-ray device often serve tomaterially compromise the quality of radiographic images generated bythe device. Such factors include, among others, various thermallyinduced effects such as the occurrence of physical changes in the x-raydevice components as a result of high operating temperatures and/orthermal gradients. These factors are cause for concern in therapeuticx-ray devices as well.

The physical changes that occur in the x-ray device components as aresult of the relatively high operating temperatures typicallyexperienced by the x-ray device are of particular concern. Not only dothe high operating temperatures impose significant mechanical stress andstrain on the x-ray device components, but the heat transfer effected asa result of those operating temperatures can cause the components todeform, either plastically or elastically.

While plastic deformation of an x-ray device component is a concernbecause it may be symptomatic of an impending failure of the component,elastic deformation of the x-ray device components under high heatconditions is problematic as well. For example, as the variouscomponents and mechanical joints are subjected to repeated elasticdeformation under the influence of thermal cycles, the connectionsbetween the components can loosen and the components may becomemisaligned or separated. In addition, the elastic deformation of x-raydevice components has significant implications as well with respect tothe performance of the x-ray device.

Accordingly, various cooling systems, components and devices have beenconsidered in an effort to confront the problems implicated by the highoperating temperatures and thermal cycles typically experienced in x-raydevices and imaging system environments. As discussed below however,many cooling systems and devices, particularly coolant pumps, haveproven to be problematic.

One problem that is of particular concern relates to the nature of theconstruction of coolant pumps used in x-ray device cooling systems. Forexample, many of such coolant pumps include multiple parts that areseparately manufactured and then attached together to form the coolantpump. Such parts may include the pump body, electrical feedthru,impeller housing, inlet fitting, and outlet fitting. These componentparts are manufactured using a variety of different processes, such asfabrication, stamping, and drawing. The large number of coolant pumpparts, as well as the wide variety of different manufacturing processesthat must be employed to construct those parts, contribute significantlyto the relatively high cost of such coolant pumps.

A related problem with many coolant pumps concerns the methods used toassemble the various component parts together. One process commonly usedin the assembly of coolant pumps is welding. Welding processes are oftenused because such processes allow a fair amount of flexibility in termsof the design and construction of the coolant pump. However, the cost ofwelding is often significant because it is a labor-intensive process.Thus, the use of welding processes contributes further to the expenseassociated with the construction of coolant pumps that employ arelatively large number of parts.

Welding processes impose other constraints as well on the design andconstruction of coolant pumps. For example, x-ray device coolant pumpsare often employed in harsh environments and so must be constructed ofmaterials that are resistant to corrosion. The cost of the coolant pumpcan be reduced somewhat by selection of a corrosion resistant materialthat is relatively easier to weld than other materials, since a simplerwelding process may translate to some reduction in cost. This type ofapproach is problematic however, because materials that are bothcorrosion-resistant and easy to weld, such as stainless steel, arerelatively expensive. Thus, any cost savings that might be obtained byusing materials that can be easily welded are often offset by theexpense of the material that is used.

The welded construction of some coolant pumps also causes problems laterin the life cycle of the pump. In particular, it is sometimes necessaryto remove and repair/replace certain pump components, such as theimpeller for example, after those components have reached the end oftheir service life. A welded pump construction complicates the removalprocess since the welds that join the coolant pump components togethermust be machined or ground away so that the parts can be separated andthe worn out component removed.

Such machining and grinding processes inevitably result in the removalof not only the weld, but a portion of the base material of thecomponent(s) as well. As a result of the removal of the base metalmaterial, there is a practical limit to the number of times that aparticular component can be separated from, and then rejoined to,another component before the component(s) must be completely replaced,or the pump scrapped. These machining and welding processes also add tothe overall cost of maintaining the pump throughout its life cycle.

The problems with many coolant pumps are not limited just to theconstruction of the pump itself. For example, another concern withtypical coolant pumps is that they are sometimes integrated togetherwith the x-ray tube housing. As a result of this configuration, theposition and orientation of the coolant pump and pump connections cannotbe readily modified, if at all. In addition, the repair of such coolantpumps can be complicated by the fact that the coolant pump is integralwith the housing. Further, the design and construction of the housingare made more difficult if accommodation has to be made for integrationof the coolant pump with the housing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the problems in the field that have been identified herein,and other problems not specifically addressed here, it would be usefulto provide a coolant pump that has a relatively low part count and thatcontributes to the ease with which repair, maintenance, andreconfiguration can be performed. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are generally concerned with a coolant pump suitable foruse as an element of a fluid cooling system.

In one exemplary embodiment of a coolant pump, the coolant pump includesa casing having a body with first and second ends. The casing includes afirst fluid interface. A motor is disposed within the body and includesa shaft to which an impeller is attached. The casing also includes afirst end cover having a second fluid interface and removably attachedto the first end of the body, as well as a second end cover thatincludes an electrical interface and is removably attached to the secondend of the body. Each of the end covers cooperates with a correspondingsealing element to aid in sealing the casing.

In this way, pump components such as the impeller and motor can bereadily removed and repaired/replaced without necessitating laborintensive disassembly and reassembly processes. These and other, aspectsof exemplary embodiments of the invention will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other aspects ofthe invention are obtained, a more particular description of theinvention briefly described above will be rendered by reference tospecific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplaryembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram indicating the arrangement of variouscomponents of an exemplary x-ray system that includes an x-ray tube andassociated cooling system;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a coolant pump with a casing thatincludes a body;

FIG. 2B is a section view, showing the coolant pump illustrated in FIG.2A, as assembled;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a coolantpump with a casing that includes a body; and

FIG. 3B is a section view, showing the coolant pump illustrated in FIG.3A, as assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspectsof exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be understood thatthe drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of suchexemplary embodiments and, accordingly, are not limiting of the scope ofthe present invention, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.

Generally, embodiments of the invention are concerned with x-ray imagingsystems and associated cooling systems and components. As discussed moreparticularly below, exemplary implementations provide for a coolant pumpthat is constructed so as to allow ready removal and replacement ofcomponents such as the impeller and motor without necessitating laborintensive disassembly and reassembly processes.

I. X-Ray System

Details will now be provided concerning an exemplary implementation ofan x-ray system, denoted generally at 100, in connection with whichembodiments of the invention may be employed. While various aspects ofexemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in the context ofx-ray systems, devices and related components, the scope of theinvention is not limited to any particular type of, or application for,such x-ray systems, devices and related components. For example, aspectsof the disclosure are applicable to systems where the radiation sourceis stationary, relative to the subject, as well as to systems where theradiation source moves relative to the subjects, such as computedtomography (“CT”) systems for example. Similarly, some embodiments ofthe invention are employed in treatment systems, while other embodimentsof the invention find application in diagnostic systems. Accordingly,the scope of the invention should not be construed to be limited solelyto the exemplary embodiments and applications disclosed herein.

It should further be noted that while at least some embodiments of thecoolant pump disclosed herein are particularly well suited for use inx-ray device cooling systems, the scope of the invention is not limitedto such uses. Rather, the coolant pumps disclosed herein can beeffectively used in any of a wide variety of fluid systems, one exampleof which is a fluid coolant system. As the foregoing suggests, the pumpsdisclosed herein may be referred to as “coolant” pumps for the sake ofconvenience in describing particular exemplary embodiments, but suchpumps can, more generally, be employed in any other suitable applicationand are not limited to use in cooling systems or in any other particularfluid system.

With attention now to FIG. 1, the exemplary x-ray system 100 includes anx-ray tube housing 102 within which an x-ray tube (not shown) isdisposed. Examples of such x-ray tubes include rotating anode andstationary anode x-ray tubes. The x-ray tube housing 102 is configuredto contain a volume of coolant, such as a dielectric coolant forexample, that serves to remove heat from the x-ray tube as the coolantflows through the x-ray tube housing 102. Additionally, the x-ray tubehousing includes a fluid inlet connection 102A and fluid outletconnection 102B, both of which are in fluid communication with a coolingsystem 200 by way of respective coolant hoses 104A and 104B. In somealternative arrangements, one or both of the coolant hoses are omittedin favor of hard pipe or tubing.

In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the cooling system 200 includesa coolant pump 202 powered by a motor (not shown). As discussed infurther detail below in connection with FIGS. 2A through 3B, the coolantpump 202 may be any of a variety of different types. In at least someimplementations, the coolant pump 202 is a centrifugal pump.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant pump 202 includes an inletconnection 202A arranged to receive the coolant leaving the x-ray tubehousing 102. An outlet connection 202B of the coolant pump 202 directsthe flow of coolant into a heat exchanger 204. In general, the heatexchanger 204 serves to remove heat from the coolant received from thex-ray tube housing 102 by way of the coolant pump 202. The heatexchanger 204 can be implemented in various forms, examples of whichinclude a liquid-to-liquid heat exchange configuration, and aliquid-to-air heat exchange configuration. In one example of the latterconfiguration, one or more fans are used to direct a flow of air acrossliquid carrying tubes of the heat exchanger.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, various instruments, controls, andother devices may be employed in connection with the cooling system 200.Examples of such instruments, controls and devices include, but are notlimited to, pump controllers, pressure gages, temperature gages, flowand temperature alarms, and flow control devices.

II. Exemplary Embodiments of a Coolant Pump

Directing attention now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, details are providedconcerning an exemplary embodiment of a coolant pump, denoted generallyat 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant pump 300 isimplemented as a centrifugal pump, but various other types of pumps areemployed in other embodiments of the invention and, accordingly, thescope of the invention is not limited to centrifugal pumps.

In general, the coolant pump 300 includes a casing 400 within which isdisposed a motor 304 having a shaft 304A to which an impeller 306 isattached. The size and configuration of the impeller 306, as well as theoutput of the motor 304, may be varied as necessary to suit a particularset of requirements. In addition to the shaft 304A, the motor 304further includes an electrical connection 304B, exemplarily implementedas a group of wires or cables, by way of which power is supplied. Atleast some implementations of the invention employ a submerged typemotor that includes a wetted stator and rotor. In those embodiments, themotor 304 and the impeller 306 are hermetically sealed within the casing400, as discussed in further detail below. In some alternativeembodiments, dry stator motors are employed.

Turning now to the casing 400, the illustrated embodiment of the casing400 generally includes a body 402 to which a first end cover 404 and asecond end cover are removably attached. The body 402 cooperates withthe first and second end covers 404 and 406 to define a cavity 408within which the motor 304 and impeller 306 are at least partlydisposed. Further details concerning the specific configuration andarrangement of the first end cover 404 and second end cover 406 areprovided below, and an alternative embodiment of the first end cover isdiscussed below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In at least some implementations, the body 402 is of single piececonstruction, and is formed by an extrusion process. A body formed by anextrusion process may generally be referred to herein as an “extrusionbody.” However, the body 402 may be formed by other processes as well,such as casting or molding. Various types of materials can be used toconstruct the body 402. Metals, including aluminum for example, areparticularly well suited for some applications. Plastics are useful insome applications as well. In at least some cases, the body 402 has asubstantially cylindrical geometry, but the body can take other forms aswell, depending upon the particular application.

At least some implementations of the body 402 include an integralmounting base 402A which takes the form of a generally flat surface thatis drilled and tapped, or otherwise adapted, to facilitate mounting ofthe coolant pump 300 on a foundation or other structure. The mountingbase of the body may, more generally, be arranged and/or configured inother ways as well, depending upon the manner in which the coolant pump300 is to be mounted.

It was noted above that the first end cover 404 and second end cover 406are configured to be removably attached to the body 402. To that end, afirst end 402B and a second end 402C of the body 402 each define aplurality of tapped holes 402D distributed about the circumference ofthe body 402. As discussed in further detail below, each of the tappedholes 402D is configured to engage a corresponding fastener passingthrough the first end cover 404 or second end cover 406.

The first end 402B and a second end 402C of the body 402 each furtherdefine a corresponding gland 402E and 402F, respectively. In at leastsome cases, the glands 404A and 404B are formed by a machining process.In one alternative embodiment, the glands are formed in the first andsecond end covers 404 and 406, respectively, rather than in the body402. As indicated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the glands 402E and 402Fis configured to receive a corresponding sealing element 410 and 412,such as O-rings for example. This is an exemplary arrangement however,and various other types and configurations of sealing elements can beemployed in connection with the body 402 to provide functionalitycomparable to that of the sealing elements 410 and 412.

Thus, when the first end cover 404 and second end cover 406 are attachedto the body 402, the sealing elements 410 and 412 are compressed and thecavity 408 is substantially hermetically sealed. Among other things,this hermetic sealing functionality substantially prevents coolant fromleaking out of the casing 400.

With continuing reference to the illustrated embodiment, the casing 400defines or otherwise includes a pair of fluid interfaces, particularly,a first fluid interface 402G and a second fluid interface 404B,discussed below, both of which are in fluid communication with thecavity 408. In general, the first fluid interface 402G is representedschematically at 202A in FIG. 1 and permits coolant leaving the impellerto exit the casing 400. More generally still, the fluid interfacesdisclosed herein serve to facilitate fluid communication between thecasing 400 and one or more other components.

In at least some embodiments, the first fluid interface 402G is integralwith the body 402. Additionally, the first fluid interface 402G can beconfigured and positioned as necessary to interface with other elementsof the cooling system 200, such as hoses, fittings, pipe, or tubing.

Examples of such configurations of the first fluid interface 402Ginclude, but are not limited to, a quick-disconnect configuration, athreaded configuration, and a straight pipe configuration suitable foruse with a hose and hose clamps. Further, the first fluid interface 402Gmay be implemented in various geometries, examples of which include a 45degree bend, a 90 degree bend, or a straight configuration. Theforegoing discussion of the first fluid interface 402G is germane aswell to the second fluid interface 404B.

Finally, the exemplary body 402 is configured to aid in the preventionof axial motion of the motor 304 and impeller 306, as well as preventionof rotation of the motor 304 relative to the casing 400. In particular,the body 402 includes grooves 402H and 402I, implemented in FIGS. 2A and2B as substantially annular grooves. As indicated in those figures, thegroove 402H receives a snap ring 414, while the groove 402I receives awave spring 416. The relative positions of the snap ring 414 and wavespring 416 may be reversed however, so that the snap ring 414 resides ingroove 402I while the wave spring 416 resides in groove 402H. In theillustrated embodiment, the snap ring 414 is positioned so that an axialforce exerted by the wave spring 416 acts on the motor so as to maintainthe motor 304 in contact with the snap ring 414. In this way, axialmotion of the motor 304 within the body 402 is substantially prevented.It should be noted that structures with functionality comparable to thatimplemented by the snap ring 414 and wave spring 416 may alternativelybe employed.

It was noted earlier herein that the body 402 cooperates with the firstend cover 404 and second end cover 406 to facilitate the hermeticsealing of the motor 304 and impeller 306 within the cavity 408.Directing renewed attention now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, further details areprovided concerning the configuration of the exemplary first end cover404 and second end cover 406.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end cover 404 is generally inthe form of a plate that defines a plurality of bolt holes 404Adistributed about the circumference of the first end cover 404. Each ofthe bolt holes 404A is positioned to align with a corresponding tappedhole 402D of the first end 402B of the body 402, and is configured toreceive a corresponding bolt 418, or other suitable fastener. As aresult, the first end cover 404 can be readily attached to, and removedfrom, the body 402.

The exemplary first end cover 404 further includes a second fluidinterface 404B. In general, the second fluid interface 404B isrepresented schematically at 202B in FIG. 1 and is configured andarranged to permit coolant from the heat exchanger 204 (see FIG. 1) toflow through the first end cover 404 and into the impeller 306 of thecoolant pump 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluidinterface 404B takes the form of a threaded connection aligned with anopening defined in the first end cover 404. The threaded configurationpermits attachment of hoses or other system components. The second fluidinterface 404B can alternatively be implemented, for example, as asimple pipe stub for use with a hose and hose clamps, or as aquick-disconnect connection.

Finally, the first end cover 404, as well as the second end cover 406discussed below, can be constructed of a variety of materials, oneexample of which is aluminum. However, any other material(s) suitablefor the intended use of the coolant pump 300 may alternatively beemployed.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second end cover 406is similar in many regards to the first end cover 404. Accordingly, thefollowing discussion will focus primarily on certain differences betweenthe two end covers. In particular, the second end cover 406 includes anelectrical interface 406A that generally serves to facilitate electricalcommunication between the motor 304 and a power source (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical interface 406A takes theform of a hermetically sealed electric wiring harness configured andarranged to interface with the electrical connection 304B of the motor304. However, aspects of the electrical interface 406A of the second endcover 406 may be changed as necessary to suit the requirements of aparticular application and/or motor. For example, it was noted earlierherein that some embodiments of the invention employ a dry stator motor.In such applications, the electrical interface need not be hermeticallysealed. In another embodiment, the electrical interface 406A takes theform of one or more electrical contacts in electrical communication withthe electrical connection 304A of the motor 304, and extending throughthe second end cover 406.

Directing attention now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, details are providedconcerning an alternative implementation of a coolant pump, generallydesignated at 500. The embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 3A and 3B issimilar in many regards to the coolant pump disclosed in FIGS. 2A and2B. Accordingly, the following discussion will focus primarily onselected differences between the two exemplary embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 502 includes a first end cover504 removably attached to a body 506, where the first end cover 504takes the form of an impeller housing within which an impeller 508 issubstantially disposed. Similar to the exemplary embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the casing 502 includes a first fluid interface 504Aand a second fluid interface 504B. The coolant pump 500 differs howeverfrom that embodiment in that the first fluid interface 504A is anelement of the first end cover 504, rather than being, an element of thebody 506. Among other things, this alternative arrangement may simplifythe construction of the casing 502 in some instances.

In the arrangement disclosed in FIGS. 3A and 3B, coolant is dischargedfrom the coolant pump 500 by way of the first fluid interface 504A, andreceived into the coolant pump 500 by way of the second fluid interface504B. As discussed below, the aforementioned exemplary configuration ofthe first end cover 504 provides various benefits.

For example, if the impeller 508 requires repair or replacement, removalof the impeller 508 can be readily accomplished by simply removing thefirst end cover 504. No further disassembly of the casing 502 wouldtypically be required. Among other things, this arrangement enablesready modification of the design of the coolant pump 500, since oneimpeller can be replaced with another impeller having the desiredperformance characteristics.

As another example, the second fluid interface 504B can be positioned asnecessary to suit the placement, configuration and orientation of othercomponents, such as hoses for example, of the cooling system in whichthe coolant pump 500 is employed. In particular, the first end cover 504is simply rotated, relative to the casing 502, until the second fluidinterface 504B is in a desired radial position. Once the second fluidinterface 504B is thus positioned, the first end cover 504 is thenattached to the casing 502. Changes to the position of the second fluidinterface 504B can be readily achieved by detaching the first end cover504 and rotating the first end cover 504 until the second fluidinterface 504B is in the new position.

III. Operational Considerations

With continuing attention to FIGS. 2A through 3B, details are nowprovided concerning various operational aspects of a system such as isexemplified in FIG. 1. More particularly, heat generated as a result ofx-ray tube operations is transferred to coolant passing through thex-ray tube housing 102. The heated coolant then exits the x-ray tubehousing 102 and enters the coolant pump 300/500. The hermetic design ofthe coolant pump 300/500 casing ensures that little or no coolantleakage occurs. The pressure of the heated coolant is increased by thecoolant pump 300/500 and the coolant then exits the coolant pump 300/500and enters the heat exchanger 204 where heat is removed from thecoolant. After this heat removal process, the coolant is then returnedfrom the heat exchanger 204 to the x-ray tube housing 102 to repeat theheat transfer

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asexemplary and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is thusindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A casing for housing a pump, comprising: a body having first andsecond ends; a first end cover including a first fluid interface, thefirst end cover being removably attachable to the first end of the body,and a second fluid interface being included in one of: the body; or, thefirst end cover; and a second end cover including an electricalinterface, the second end cover being removably attachable to the secondend of the body, and the second end cover cooperating with the first endcover and the body to substantially define a cavity when the first andsecond end covers are attached to the body, the cavity being in fluidcommunication with the first and second fluid interfaces.
 2. The casingas recited in claim 1, wherein the body substantially comprises a singlepiece construction.
 3. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein thebody is formed by one of: extrusion; casting; or, molding.
 4. The casingas recited in claim 1, wherein the casing substantially comprisesaluminum.
 5. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the electricalinterface comprises a hermetically sealed wiring harness.
 6. The casingas recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes an integral mountingbase.
 7. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes aplurality of glands, each of which is configured to at least partiallyreceive a corresponding sealing element.
 8. The casing as recited inclaim 1, further comprising: a first sealing element interposed betweenthe body and the first end cover; and a second sealing elementinterposed between the body and the second end cover.
 9. The casing asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a snap ring and a wave spring,each of which is configured to be positioned within a respective groovedefined by the body.
 10. A pump, comprising: a casing that substantiallydefines a cavity, the casing including a first fluid interface andcomprising: an extrusion body with first and second ends; first andsecond sealing elements; a first end cover including a second fluidinterface, the first end cover being removably attachable to the firstend of the extrusion body and cooperating with the first sealing elementto at least partially seal the casing; and a second end cover includingan electrical interface, the second end cover being removably attachableto the second end of the extrusion body and cooperating with the secondsealing element to at least partially seal the casing; an impeller; anda motor including a shaft to which the impeller is attached, at leastthe motor being disposed within the casing, and the motor being inelectrical communication with the electrical interface and in fluidcommunication with the cavity and first and second fluid interfaces. 11.The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the pump comprises acentrifugal pump.
 12. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein theextrusion body substantially comprises a single piece construction. 13.The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the motor is a submergedstator/rotor type.
 14. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein thefirst fluid interface comprises an element of the first end cover, thefirst fluid interface being in fluid communication with the second fluidinterface and with the cavity.
 15. The pump as recited in claim 10,wherein the first fluid interface comprises an element of the extrusionbody, the first fluid interface being in fluid communication with thesecond fluid interface and with the cavity.
 16. The pump as recited inclaim 10, wherein the first end cover substantially encloses theimpeller.
 17. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the pump furthercomprises a snap ring and a wave spring, each of which is configured tobe positioned within a respective groove defined by the body so thatboth the wave spring and the snap ring contact the motor.
 18. A coolingsystem suitable for use in connection with an x-ray device, comprising:a heat exchanger; and a pump configured for fluid communication with theheat exchanger, and comprising: a casing that substantially defines acavity, the casing including a first fluid interface and comprising: anextrusion body with first and second ends; first and second sealingelements; a first end cover including a second fluid interface, thefirst end cover being removably attachable to the first end of theextrusion body and cooperating with the first sealing element to atleast partially seal the casing; and a second end cover including anelectrical interface, the second end cover being removably attachable tothe second end of the extrusion body and cooperating with the secondsealing element to at least partially seal the casing; an impeller; anda motor including a shaft to which the impeller is attached, at leastthe motor being disposed within the casing, and the motor being inelectrical communication with the electrical interface and in fluidcommunication with the first and second fluid interfaces and the cavity.19. The cooling system as recited in claim 17, wherein the extrusionbody substantially comprises a single piece construction.
 20. Thecooling system as recited in claim 17, wherein the motor is a submergedstator/rotor type.